The 8 Best Sunscreens for the Beach in 2026
The 8 Best Sunscreens for the Beach in 2026
When the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than a beach day. Before you hop in the car and head to your favorite spot, however, it’s important to make a plan for sun protection. Unprotected skin can burn quickly, putting you at risk for premature aging and skin cancer.
Not only do you need to think about ultraviolet (UV) rays coming directly from the sun, but reflections off sand and water can significantly increase your UV exposure. It’s crucial to start with a strong layer of sunscreen but don’t underestimate the importance of reapplication.
In this guide, we’ll cover some key tips for maximizing sun protection on beach days and offer our recommendations for the best summer sunscreens.
Featured Products
EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
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Gentle, mineral-based sun protection for the whole family—even the most sensitive skin. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is a 100% mineral sunscreen that provides powerful UVA/UVB protection with a lightweight, water-resistant formula. Ideal for adults, children, and sensitive skin types, this chemical-free sunscreen...
- $43.00
- $43.00
- Unit price
- per
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen SPF 60
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This lightweight sunscreen lotion transforms into a unique & refreshing, water-like lotion texture upon contact with skin. It is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield® technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants.
Dermatologist tested
Allergy tested
Paraben-free
Fragrance-free
Non-Comedogenic
- $37.99
- $37.99
- Unit price
- per
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
More sizes available
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Ultralight mineral sunscreen SPF 50+","italic":true}]}]}
- From $34.50
$46.00- From $34.50
- Unit price
- per
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- FAIR
-
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Provides 100% mineral SPF protection with adaptive tint technology for flawless, hydrating coverage","italic":true}]}]}
- $58.00
- $58.00
- Unit price
- per
PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 - Water Resistant
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Providing water-resistant, UVA/UVB protection, this light SPF is perfect for outdoor activity. Added antioxidants increase protection from free radical damage. Appropriate for all skin types.
- $50.00
- $50.00
- Unit price
- per
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
-
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- $45.00
- $45.00
- Unit price
- per
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40
-
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- $26.00
- $26.00
- Unit price
- per
EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
More sizes available
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Water-resistant (80 minutes) face and body sunscreen formulated for all skin types, adults and children"}]}]}
- From $39.00
- From $39.00
- Unit price
- per
1. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
[product-1]
Ideal for active days spent in the sun, EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is a mineral-based sunscreen that offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance. This lightweight formula is safe for the whole family, including kids and people with sensitive skin. It’s made with transparent zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, so it won’t leave a white cast or greasy residue on your skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing mineral formula
- Safe for kids and adults with all skin types
- Offers up to 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen
[product-2]
Enjoy comprehensive UV protection without compromising on comfort with La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen. This unique formula transforms into a refreshing water-like lotion as you apply it, so it’s easy to spread evenly. It offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, with a boost of environmental defense from an infusion of antioxidants. For active beach days, this sunscreen also offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance and it’s been tested safe for sensitive skin.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Infused with antioxidants for enhanced environmental defense
- Cooling formula transforms into a water-like lotion
- Fragrance-free and tested safe on sensitive skin
3. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
[product-3]
Protect your skin against harmful UV rays while actively repairing existing sun damage with ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+. This fast-absorbing mineral sunscreen quickly sets to a smooth finish, so your skin won’t feel greasy or heavy. The formula is powered by DNA-repairing enzymes clinically proven to reduce actinic keratoses, on top of delivering broad-spectrum sun protection. And if you’re swimming or sweating, this sunscreen offers 40 minutes of water resistance.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Sweat-resistant formula suitable for light activity
- Clinically proven to help repair UV-induced DNA damage
- Waterlike emulsion melts into your skin with a sheer finish
4. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
[product-4]
Available in six different shades, Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 delivers powerful sun protection while giving your skin a flawless finish. It’s an all-mineral sunscreen designed with adaptive tint technology that blends with your skin tone upon application. You’ll enjoy broad-spectrum coverage plus a healthy, natural-looking glow. And this formula is infused with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to deliver a dose of lasting moisture.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Tinted mineral sunscreen blends with your skin tone
- Sweat and water resistant for up to 40 minutes
- Enriched with antioxidants for defense against blue light and infrared
5. PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Water Resistant Sunscreen
[product-5]
Keep beach days simple with PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Water Resistant Sunscreen. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight formula is easy to apply and feels comfortable on your skin. It’s designed to deliver comprehensive protection against UVA/UVB rays, plus it’s sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. While you’re enjoying your favorite beach activities, you can rest easy knowing your skin is fully protected.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Lightweight formula is comfortable to wear
- Suitable for all skin types
- Water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes
6. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
[product-6]
Looking for a sunscreen that does it all? Try SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. This ultra-light formula features a fluid texture that glides onto your skin while the universal tint blends effortlessly with your skin tone to give you a natural glow. Gentle mineral filters deliver broad-spectrum protection while an infusion of artemia salina, a powerful plankton extract, boosts your skin’s resistance to heat stress and UV-induced damage. And it’s water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ultralight texture with a universal tint
- Boosts your skin’s resistance to heat and UV damage
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
7. MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40
[product-7]
Perfect for reapplying your sunscreen on the fly, MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 delivers broad-spectrum protection. It’s easy to apply and water resistant up to 80 minutes, so you can enjoy the full range of beach day activities. This dermatologist-developed formula is designed for even coverage and sets to a sheer finish without leaving a white cast. Plus, it’s infused with antioxidants to boost your skin’s defenses against environmental damage.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick-dry formula is easy to apply
- Continuous mist ensures even coverage
- Can be used on the face and body
8. EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
[product-8]
A convenient alternative to messy lotions and sprays, EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ features a glide-on format. This mineral-based sunscreen stick is ideal for touch-ups on high-exposure areas like your face, neck, ears, and hands. Plus, it fits easily in your beach bag so you won’t forget to pack it. Formulated with 22% zinc oxide, this sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Glide-on sunscreen stick is easy to apply
- Perfect for touch-ups on small areas of skin
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula
Sun Protection Tips for Beach Days
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to keeping your skin protected while you’re at the beach, lounging by the pool, or enjoying other outdoor activities. On a high-UV day, unprotected skin can burn in at little as 5 minutes. Here’s what we recommend to defend against summer skin damage:
- Choose the right sunscreen. Pick a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for a minimum of SPF 30 and shop for a formula suited to your skin type.
- Time your application properly. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outside, so it has time to absorb. If you have a long drive to the beach, be sure to include that time when deciding when to reapply sunscreen.
- Don’t miss any spots. Be generous when applying sunscreen to your face and neck. Don’t forget about spots like your ears, the backs of your hands, and your feet. You’ll need a nickel-sized amount for your face or about an ounce of sunscreen for your body.
- Reapply as often as needed. Plan to reapply your sunscreen about every two hours. If you’re sweating heavily, swimming, or drying yourself with a towel, always reapply afterward to ensure continuous protection.
- Cleanse and hydrate after. Once you’re back home for the day, thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove all sunscreen residue. Finish up with a healthy dose of hydrating cleanser to restore moisture and help repair any damage your skin may have sustained.
Remember, you can always use the same sunscreen on your face as you do on your body, in a pinch. Facial sunscreen tends to be lighter and non-comedogenic, but any sunscreen is better than none. If you realize you forgot to pack your facial sunscreen when it comes time to reapply, don’t hesitate to use what you’ve got.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach or going about your regular routine, make sun protection a priority. Sunscreen should always be the last step in your daily skincare routine, and it’s best to choose a formula with at least 30 SPF. It doesn’t hurt to give your sunscreen about 10 to 15 minutes to set before you head out the door, either.
Thinking about stepping up your sun protection game? Check out our recommendations for the best daily sunscreen to find your perfect fit.
EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
-
Gentle, mineral-based sun protection for the whole family—even the most sensitive skin. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is a 100% mineral sunscreen that provides powerful UVA/UVB protection with a lightweight, water-resistant formula. Ideal for adults, children, and sensitive skin types, this chemical-free sunscreen...
- $43.00
- $43.00
- Unit price
- per
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen SPF 60
-
This lightweight sunscreen lotion transforms into a unique & refreshing, water-like lotion texture upon contact with skin. It is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield® technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants.
Dermatologist tested
Allergy tested
Paraben-free
Fragrance-free
Non-Comedogenic
- $37.99
- $37.99
- Unit price
- per
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
More sizes available
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Ultralight mineral sunscreen SPF 50+","italic":true}]}]}
- From $34.50
$46.00- From $34.50
- Unit price
- per
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- FAIR
-
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Provides 100% mineral SPF protection with adaptive tint technology for flawless, hydrating coverage","italic":true}]}]}
- $58.00
- $58.00
- Unit price
- per
PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 - Water Resistant
-
Providing water-resistant, UVA/UVB protection, this light SPF is perfect for outdoor activity. Added antioxidants increase protection from free radical damage. Appropriate for all skin types.
- $50.00
- $50.00
- Unit price
- per
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
-
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Zinc oxide mineral tinted sunscreen for your face","italic":true}]}]}
- $45.00
- $45.00
- Unit price
- per
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40
-
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Sheer, quick-dry SPF 40 spray with 360° mist for fast, even coverage","italic":true}]}]}
- $26.00
- $26.00
- Unit price
- per
EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
More sizes available
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Water-resistant (80 minutes) face and body sunscreen formulated for all skin types, adults and children"}]}]}
- From $39.00
- From $39.00
- Unit price
- per
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